Avocado Oil Benefits
So you've seen the properties of avocado oil. Now it's time to check out the benefits of avocado oil!
1. Avocado oil is a great moisturizer It is truly perfect for moisturizing dry, damaged, chapped, sensitive and normal skin types. Avocado oil works just as well for moisturizing hair too!
2. Avocado absorbs quickly The oil can get deep into your epidermis (skin layer). That's why it's used in so many commercial creams, lotions and moisturizers (seriously check the ingredients of your favorite brands!). The fast absorbing and penetrating properties of avocado oil help to transfer other ingredients like essential oils deep into the skin. This makes it a very effective carrier oil. In fact, studies show your skin is more likely to absorb avocado oil faster than almond, sesame, safflower, peanut, jojoba, coconut and olive oils.
3. It can help with psoriasis Avocado oil's moisturizing and 'carrying' power can definitely help with chronic plaque psoriasis. In fact, a 2001 study showed that a vitamin B-12 cream containing avocado oil provided similar results to the commonly used treatment of psoriasis - Calcipotriol The study went further to show that the preparation with avocado oil did not have any side effects and could be used for the long-term topical treatment of psoriasis.
4. It repairs skin, stops wrinkles and more... Avocado oil benefits are amazing! The oil really is good for you and your skin. This isn't just hearsay. The study mentioned above also noted avocado oil can be used for wrinkles, stretch marks, sunscreens, scleroderma, and even skin regeneration. The article went further to identify the benefits of the compounds in avocado oil:
Oleic acid has anti-inflammatory effects. Linoleic acid, beta-sitosterol and vitamin E are antioxidants. Linoleic acid is also antimicrobial.
Unsaturated fatty acids increase collagen production and help skin to be stronger.
This reduces the signs of aging and wrinkling. Unsaturated fatty acids are also active in the wound healing process.
Mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, beta-sitosterol, beta-carotene, lecithin, minerals, and vitamins all help to heal and repair skin.
You can clearly see avocado oil is an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, and antioxidant carrier oil with moisturizing and sunscreen properties. Maybe that's the reason why the cosmetics industry embraced this oil. You can actually find it in creams, moisturizers, tanning lotions, sunscreens, make-up, face masks, anti-cellulite lotions, soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners.
Avocado Oil Uses
Avocado oil benefits are awesome. So what are some uses of avocado oil?
For dry and mature skin:
These skin types require that extra moisturizing. You can use avocado oil mixed in a 1:1 ratio with another thick oil like wheat germ oil. Both oils are heavy but deeply moisturizing and perfect for dry skin. Note though, wheat germ oil can cause acne so you can adjust the ratios if you are mildly prone to acne.
For oil cleansing:
You can mix a half teaspoon each of castor and avocado oil for oil cleansing. Gently massage the mix on your face and wait for a few minutes. You can also add a warm cloth over your face to help get out any extra dirt and microbes out.
Once your done, simply and gently wipe off the excess oil from your face before rinsing with cold water.
You can also swap out castor oil with hazelnut for a lighter mix for oil cleansing.
As a makeup remover:
A few celebrities swear by avocado oil as a great makeup remover. And, because of avocado's thick consistency, you only need a few drops to get most of your makeup off.
Dark Circles Under Eyes:
Many swear that using avocado oil helps to lighten dark circles under their eyes. It also helps to moisturize the area and keep it looking healthy and happy.
For Hair:
You can definitely use avocado oil for your hair. It's amazing! And many prefer it to coconut oil which solidifies at colder temperatures and can make your hair feel tough and hard.
You can add avocado oil to your conditioner, massage it into your hair or use it as a leave-in treatment. It's awesome!
Hot Oil Treatment:
You can even use avocado oil to give your hair a wonderful hot oil treatment.
Mix a 1:1 ratio of avocado and olive oils and remember a little goes a long way. Then massage this mix for 10-15 minutes into your hair and scalp. But if you have oily skin, you can skip massaging your scalp.
Next, wrap your hair in a warm towel and leave it for an additional 10-15 minutes. Then, when you're done you can shampoo and condition as you would normally do.